By Charlene Macaulay
The Keilor Basketball and Netball Stadium has scored a third new court after the Keilor Basketball Association (KBA) put its hand up to fund part of the venue’s expansion.
The association will pay $1.215 million over the next five years to fund a third new court as part of the Keilor Basketball and Netball Stadium redevelopment, which is now in the tender process.
Brimbank council had previously allocated $5.15 million over two financial years
to fund the redevelopment and extension
of the Keilor stadium, including
two new courts to add to the existing three courts.
The council also received a $650,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria for the project.
But the KBA, which has more than 3800 affiliated players, was keen to expand the stadium further and offered $700,000 up
front to pay for a third court so members would no longer have to play outside Brimbank.
The KBA will pay off the remaining $515,000 in monthly instalments over the next five years.
In return, the council will give the KBA a 10-year licence to use the stadium once the redevelopment is complete.
The KBA is currently under an interim licence while works take place.
The stadium, which was built 25 years ago, has been bursting at the seams for years.
Lack of available courts has forced many players to use courts outside the municipality. The stadium is also used by a council-run netball association and local school groups.
Brimbank administrator John Tanner praised the council-KBA partnership.
“I think it’s an absolutely fantastic project for this community,” he said.
Brimbank administrators’ chairman John Watson said the council had flagged the redevelopment and extension of the stadium as a high priority due to the growing sporting needs of the community.
Mr Watson said the extra court would create even more opportunities for users.
“The Keilor Basketball Association should be commended for its foresight and initiative and standing up to the challenge of making such a substantial contribution,’’ Mr Watson said.
“I think, collectively, we’ve all scored a goal here.”
